André Santos says that Flamengo will be ready in ‘four or five games’

The left-back has said that the team will be ready in time for this year’s Copa Libertadores campaign.

The Libertadores is Flamengo’s priority in the first half of 2014. As a consequence, the Rio club chose to extend pre-season training for the first-team whilst using reserves in the first rounds of the Campeonato Carioca.

The idea was to hone the physical condition of the rubronegro’s stars and, according to the 30-year-old, it worked.

“The pre-season was really good and I believe, along with the rest of the team, that we will be ready in four or five games. I’m close to full-fitness. I work hard when training finishes because I know I can always improve. I always want to be in the best shape I can be,” said the former Arsenal man.

Indeed, in four games’ time Flamengo will visit León, of Mexico, in their first game of this year’s Copa Libertadores.

“The Libertadores is really difficult. We know we are going to face some very difficult teams. The trips and the pitches are tough to deal with as well. I try to pass my experience on to the younger players. I try to let them know that they need to look after themselves so that when a game comes around they are in the best shape they can be.”

On Wednesday night, Flamengo will face Friburguense in the fourth round of the state championship.